Medicinal Plants - Health Benefits of Chicory
Some may consider Chicory a weed but in southern Europe it is enjoyed as a leafy green eaten at the beginning of a meal to help boost our digestion. It helps with poor appetitie, stomach aches, gallstones, a tonic for the liver as well as a mild laxative.
As a bitter green, it stimulates one's appetite and improves digestion, not too mention helping to prepare the stomach to release an enzyme that helps break down protein so that it can pass more easily through our gastrointestinal system.
Chicory is part of the Asteraceae family and is a perennial plant which can grow up to 2 meters (6.5 feet).
"Chicory is genuinely good for you, and the benefits go beyond what most people expect from a coffee substitute. The root is one of the richest natural sources of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that makes up roughly 68% of its dry weight. That fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps digestion moving. The leafy greens, meanwhile, pack impressive amounts of vitamins A and K. Whether you’re drinking roasted chicory root, stirring inulin powder into your morning routine, or eating the greens in a salad, there’s solid evidence behind the health claims." - Scienceinsights
Caution: Chicory could cause an allergic reaction to those sensitive to the daisy - also part of the Asteraceae family.
"Chicory flowers are bright blue, pink, or white. You may see them along roadsides in summers and in wilderness areas. The leaves of chicory look somewhat similar to those of a dandelion, but their shapes can vary. Mostly, they are either deeply lobed or have an irregular, toothed appearance. Most parts of the plant, including the roots, have tons of nutrients. They include proteins, vitamins, minerals, soluble fiber, carbohydrates, and much more." - WebMD
Chicory root can also be ground into a powder as a substitute for coffee or as an addition to coffee. Its bitter flavor adds a richness to the flavor of the coffee. The root contains a plethora of nutrients including proteins, vitamins, minerals, soluble fiber, carbohydrates and chicory root is also considered a prebiotic, which we all know is essential for optimal gut health.
"Chicory is great for your digestive health as it contains inulin, which can act as a powerful prebiotic. Prebiotics is a classification of bacteria that confer benefits on the host, rather than diseases. One report published in the journal FEMS Microbiology Ecology reports that inulin is used to combat a number of intestinal and digestive concerns, including acid reflux disease, indigestion, and heartburn because it actively reduces the acidity of the body’s systems. Thus, chicory plays a vital role in easing digestion." - Organic Facts
A little more about the importance of inulin for our health ...
"Chicory root’s defining feature is its extraordinarily high inulin content. On a dry weight basis, fiber can account for up to 90% of the root. Inulin is a type of fiber your body can’t digest in the stomach or small intestine. Instead, it passes intact into the large intestine, where it becomes food for your gut bacteria. Because it skips normal digestion, it carries only about 2 calories per gram, roughly half the caloric load of regular carbohydrates.
This makes chicory root fiber useful in two ways at once: it adds bulk to your diet without adding much energy, and it actively nourishes the microbes that support your digestive and immune health. Most commercial inulin supplements and food additives (the ones you see on ingredient labels in yogurts, protein bars, and fiber supplements) are extracted from chicory root specifically because no other common crop delivers this concentration." -Scienceinsights
"Inulin is not only beneficial for the digestive system, but it has also shown to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol) in the body. This type of cholesterol is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure as it blocks the flow of blood when it binds to arteries and veins. It can also contribute to the possibility of heart attacks and strokes. Interestingly enough, the chemical pathway that inulin functions in to reduce the presence of LDL cholesterol is rarely active unless a person consumes a high level of carbohydrates, so this benefit has a slightly smaller range of effects." - Organic Facts
Some of Chicory’s Health Benefits
Antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial
Anticarcinogenic
Antimutagenic (can reduce the rate of mutation)
Anthelmintic (can treat parasite-related infections)
Immune-stimulating
Antihepatotoxic (can prevent liver damage)
Antioxidative
Time to expand our leafy green repertoire and include chicory! Enjoy the benefits and the flavor!
6D Living
Wellness in Balance
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